Review: "Love by Design" by Evie Knight

Synopsis:

Rules are meant to be broken… only, he chooses which ones to break.

Renowned, self-taught baker Tristan James has everything going for him. Great friends. Women. Business success. His ultimate goal is to host his own TV show. All is perfect… until Mandy walks into his life. Tristan fears she’ll make him unearth the secrets he keeps.

She plays by the rules.

Amanda Roberts dreams of becoming a famous shoe designer, but her insecurities stand between her and her dream. She’s ready to give up when Tristan dares her to pursue her goal. Falling prey to his charms isn’t something she counts on, yet it’s unavoidable.

As their dreams finally become a reality, they must choose between love or the opportunity of a lifetime.

*(summary courtesy of Goodreads)

 

My Review:

This was a cute little love story. By "little" I mean it was actually too short in my opinion (and I don't mean the rapper). It is somewhat of a good thing since this story didn't need to be any more drawn out than necessary. Overall, the book had a lot of potential that was a bit wasted if you ask me.

 

It seemed to be a story of never-ending drama. Every two seconds, Tristan and Mandy seemed to be getting into a squabble over something. Usually you wouldn't see a major argument until the climax of the story, but in here the arguments are EVERYWHERE! And they are quite inane, by the way.

The story itself felt way too rushed. The pacing was off and not enough build up. The numerous conflicts just seemed to spring up out of nowhere and become major issues for the characters, and then be resolved just as quick. The plot was also predictable.

It was difficult for me to connect with the characters because they were so silly and not written with enough depth. It felt more like the author was "telling" about the characters, rather than "showing" me and letting me feel their emotions. The best part is probably the sex scenes...pretty sensual.

I really would like to give this book a higher rating, but it needs some work. As I said before, it had potential but didn't really act upon it correctly.

224 pages

Published July 16th 2014 by ILwR

 

Rating:  🔔🔔🔔  

Recommend?    It is average at best.

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Review: "Try Me On for Size" by Stephanie Haefner

Synopsis:

 

A sexy, laugh-out-loud love story about a woman trying to save her failing lingerie business with a new product - personal massagers - made to the specs of the spokesman of her choice! But when she falls for the first model she meets, how can she prove she's his perfect fit?

With their business in trouble, Mia and Bryn must pull out all the stops to save their shop. Things get sticky when Mia, owner of Classy n' Sassy Lingerie, has to go on five blind "dates" to find the right model for the big marketing plan that will save the store. But they aren't your ordinary blind dates. Mia has to test out the "goods" to find the perfect spokespenis - the model for Classy n' Sassy's newest line of lifelike dildos.

Not realizing Mia is on a mission, Oliver Christensen approaches her in a bar and Mia mistakes him for model #1. Oliver decides to play along. But just how far is he willing to take this charade in order to get closer to Mia? And what happens if Mia's Blind Date #1 turns out to be The One?

(*summary courtesy of Goodreads)

 

 

My Review:

 

This stand alone novel is super cute! I had an inkling that this book was going to be good, so I am glad that it delivered what it promised. The story was goofy and funny, and has a romantic angle I have yet to read about or see in the movies. I wonder if anyone has

 

The characters were relatable, as well as likable. I especially liked Mia's best friend Bryn; she was hilarious and so down-to-earth. I'm a little envious, as I wish I had a BFF like Bryn; she was supportive of Mia, but put her in her place when the situation called for it. I liked Mia and her humor, but when it came to relationships and what she expects out of them and her romantic partner, she was a tad too unrealistic with expecting perfection. Why should she expect a 100% perfect man when she's only an 80% perfect woman? If a man is that perfect, he will look for an equally perfect woman- which she is not. Besides, perfection is overrated, and no such thing exists when dealing with people- at least in my opinion.

 

However, Oliver should have never lied in the first place; although I'm not sure if he and Mia would have ever happened otherwise. His almost fiancé and "baby mama", Alexiana, was such a witch (replace the "w" with a "b"). The combination of her fake pregnancy, blackmailing and public humiliation of Oliver was too much to bear. Speaking of which, I never understood why in books the son/daughter choose to stay with their partner, who makes them unhappy, in order to please their parents or keep them happy. I totally get that Oliver just didn't want to worry and disappoint his mother, but if she really loved him, she would be happy as long as he is happy. I am so glad that happened to be the case.

 

This novel reminded me that family can be overrated. A lot of people these days say "family this and family that", but I believe that loyalty makes you family; blood makes you related. Mia and Oliver were seriously facing their own versions of this within their own family. I was glad to see that Mia had a backbone early on, and not cave to the pressure her family was putting on her; I was absolutely floored by that! Mia's sister was incredibly selfish; so much that I was flabbergasted the blatancy of it.

 

Thankfully everyone received their karma and pretty much everything was resolved. I teared up near the end, so expect to too- even if you're the Tin Man! The sexual scenes were steamy and a-plenty; definitely drool-worthy. I still think Mia and Bryn's business venture was ingenious- why didn't I think of that? Anyways, this was a really cute book with some great humor. I liked it a lot.

 

Favorite Quotes:

 

"An hour earlier, she may have been stupid enough to think she could still be apart of this family, but she certainly has smartened up. She'd taken all she could and wouldn't be making the same mistake again."

 

"Are talking about this Oliver?" A male customer in line asked. "Cause, honey, with a body like that, you're either a lesbian or a big fat liar".

 

"I'm famished," Mia said snagging a snack and a kiss from Oliver.

"Lucky bitch," the guy at the front of the line mumbled. Mia turned and met his sly grin.

"You know it!"

 

288 pages

Published August 11th 2014 by Pocket Star

 

 

Rating:  🔔🔔🔔🔔

 

Recommend?    A good and funny read! Oh yeah!

 

 

 

(ARC courtesy of Net Galley and Pocket Star)

 

 

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Review: "The Unforgivable Fix: A Justice Novel" by T.E. Woods

Synopsis:

 

The killer won’t come for you, you fool. He’ll come for me.

Detective Mort Grant of the Seattle PD has finally decided to sell. The home where he and his late wife raised two kids feels too large and too full of old memories. His son is married and raising a family of his own, and despite desperate efforts to find her, Mort has lost touch with his wayward daughter. That is, until the day she walks back into her childhood home and begs for his help.

For the last four years, Allie Grant has been the lover—and confidante, confessor, and counselor—of one of the world’s most powerful and deadly men. But a sudden, rash move has put Allie in the crosshairs of a ruthless Russian crime lord. Mort knows of only one place where Allie will be safe: with The Fixer.

As a hired desperado, The Fixer has killed twenty-three people—and Mort was complicit in her escape from the law. She has built an impregnable house, stocked it with state-of-the-art gear, armed it to the teeth, and locked herself away from the world. But even The Fixer may not be able to get justice for Allie when real evil comes knocking.*(summary courtesy of Goodreads)

My Review:

 

This book blew my expectations out of the water. I figured it would just be one huge "every character has drama" book.  Amazingly, it was like some rated M for mature Superman book. The female lead, Lydia, is successful psychiatrist by day; The Fixer by night (dun dun duunnn).

Story is pretty fast paced- maybe not with action, but the story itself is engrossing.  I had a hard time putting the book down (thankfully) as I was really interested on how "The Fixer" was going to teach the baddies a lesson in who's the MAN..ahem, WOMAN!

This was a good thriller full of unpredictable twists and turns and some serious revelations.  The characters grew on me, especially the ones I had taken an immediate disliking to in the beginning. I liked learning about what makes Lydia "tick" so to speak; and I don't mean the clock in her office at work! (Okay maybe that wasn't that funny).

At first Lydia seems cold and rigid, but you then see she has been hurt badly before psychologically, mentally and emotionally.  I love the cool mask of indifference she often displays; it's so fetch! Detective Mort is a major fool, I concluded.  Not only is he blind to his daughter's trickery and manipulation, he has the nerve to be upset with Lydia- which pissed me off. Detective Bauer is positively sizzling with his charm and rugged looks. Lydia better watch out before she becomes a chocolate chomper (someone who only dates black men). 

P.S: It's a shame about that stepfather allegedly abusing his stepdaughter. It reminds me of a certain wealthy man (cough cough S.C Johnson).

Expected publication: October 14th 2014 by Alibi

Rating: 🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔

Recommend?  Yes.

 

(ARC courtesy of Net Galley and Alibi Publishing)

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Review: "Facing the Music" by Andrea Laurence

Synopsis:

 

In this sizzling and hilarious contemporary e-book romance, pop sensation Ivy Hudson returns to her small town to face her ex. Only trouble is, she made her Taylor-Swift-like career with the hit song “Size Matters”—and the football hero has had to live it down ever since.

Five years ago, high school sweethearts Ivy and Blake’s relationship imploded and both their lives were changed forever. Ivy became a rock star and Blake lost not only his dreams of a successful NFL career, but his reputation. Ivy’s angry song about their breakup, called “Size Matters,” hit the top of the charts and Blake became a national laughingstock. He’s salvaged his career and returned to Rosewood to be the high school football coach, regaining his status as town hero and leading the boys to the state championships.

When a tornado whips through town and destroys the high school gymnasium and stadium, a committee is formed to help rebuild and plan some charity fundraisers. Blake’s grandmother requests that Ivy return to Rosewood for the events. Forced back together for the good of their hometown and their careers, Ivy and Blake have no choice but to put aside their differences, stop running from their pasts, and finally face the music.

For fans of Kristen Proby and Colette Auclair, Facing the Music hits a perfect balance between small-town romance and big-time success. Follow Ivy and Blake as they fall back in love and figure out what does matter in the end…

*(summary courtesy of Goodreads)

My Review:

I had my reservations about this book, but I am glad to say that I really enjoyed this book.  The chemistry! Oh my, it was like....wow.  This may e just a book, but I could see the fireworks go off every time Blake and Ivy were in a scene together. 

 

Romance? Check.

Sexy and sultry guy?  Most definitely check.

Drama? I could do without it, but yes..check?

And everything else in-between the sheets?  Check and check.

 

The plot was very captivating.  I have never read a book where the woman humiliates her love interest, but it was amazing!...in some ways.  I wish Ivy's character wasn't the fictionalized equivalent to Taylor Swift.  I'm not really a fan of hers, and I feel that she plays the victim way too often for a woman in her mid 20s.  Yeah I said it! 

 

Anyways, it's a little hard for me to believe that Ivy "didn't know" the public would think her song "Size Matters" was referring to Blake's size, if you know what I mean.  What did Ivy expect the song's title to allude to? Height? Countries? T-Rex?

 

Blake is probably my favorite part of the entire book.  He's so swoon worthy, with the exception of his past transgression.  It's a bummer the Ivy's song acted as a catalyst for all things to go wrong in his life.  His brothers are totally awesome as well.

 

Lydia was just a conniving little wretch.  She's like a raccoon, she get's into everyone's business and just won't leave.  The Grandma was like all nosy grandmothers: they think they know best, and probably do.  I didn't like how she kept chastising Blake for some of the things Ivy was at fault for.  Then again, maybe she was trying to get him to man-up.  Towards the end, I felt like Ivy should have done some of the chasing.  She was the one who fled without hearing reason.  You don't run away and hide from your lover; you fight for him.  At least that's my opinion.  There aren't many love scenes in this book, but it doesn't take away from the story at all.

 

250 pages

Expected publication: September 15th 2014 by Pocket Star

Rating:  🔔🔔🔔🔔

 

Recommend?  Yes.

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Review: "Truly" (New York #1) by Ruthie Knox

Synopsis:

May Fredericks hates New York. Which is fair enough, since New York seems to hate her back. Just weeks after moving from Wisconsin to Manhattan, she receives the world's worst marriage proposal, stabs her boyfriend with a shrimp fork in a very public venue, and accidentally becomes notorious. And that’s before she gets mugged.

At her wit's end, May washes up at a Packers bar in Greenwich Village, where she meets a surly, unhelpful guy who hates her shoes and calls her ex a douche.

His name is Ben. He used to be a chef. Now he's a rooftop beekeeper with anger management issues. She wouldn't even like him, but he reminds her of home … and he knows where to find all the best food in the Village.

She makes him laugh. He buys her tacos and cowboy boots. The longer they’re stuck together, the better May and Ben get along … and the harder they fall. TRULY is a quirky, modern New York love story unlike any you've read before.

*(summary courtesy of Goodreads)

My Review:

 

Interesting read, I must say.  The main story line immediately starts, and builds gradually over the course of the book.  It's not what you would usually see in romance books; i.e the handsome, rich guy just waiting for "The One".  It's the exact opposite of that.

Ben is somewhat of a Byronic hero, with  his brusqueness, past etc. He's not the typical guy portrayed in books; perhaps more realistic. May was pretty ballsy for dumping her rich, good-looking athlete of a boyfriend to find her own path in life, knowing she deserved better. I can't say that many women would do that.  She's pretty insecure about her weight, which was okay at first, but was kind of annoying when she kept bringing it up. The sister, Allie, has a bit of a story arc of her own, and the mom is the typical overbearing sort.

 

The heroine of the story was lucky she met a stranger that took her in, in New York of all places! Not saying it couldn't happen, but very rarely it does especially without repercussions; for example rape, murder...New York is the mecca for crime. Anyways, it was a cute read with the heroine striving to be the best version of herself and being a dreamer. I can relate...

Published September 2013 by Random House Loveswept

Rating: 🔔🔔🔔🔔

Recommend?  To anyone who enjoys contemporary romance and Byronic heroes

(ARC courtesy of Net Galley and Random House)

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Review: "Only with You" (The Best Mistake #1) by Lauren Layne

Synopsis:

Love is the Biggest Gamble of All . . .

Cocktail waitress Sophie Dalton doesn't exactly have a life plan. She's perfectly happy being everyone's favorite party girl. But when a Las Vegas bachelorette party goes awry and an uptight businessman mistakes Sophie for a prostitute . . . well, Sophie wonders if it's time to reevaluate her priorities. Swearing off her thigh-high boots for good, Sophie slinks back home with damaged pride-and a jackpot of a hangover.

Yet what happens in Vegas doesn't always stay there. On a trip to Seattle to open a new office, Grayson Wyatt meets his latest employee-who turns out to be the same woman he recently called a hooker. Wealthy and gorgeous, Gray is a man used to getting what he wants. And it doesn't take long to figure out that smart, sassy, sexy Sophie is everything he's been looking for. As their late nights at the office turn into hot morning-afters, they realize their Vegas misunderstanding may lead to the real thing . . .

*(summary courtesy of Goodreads)

 

My Review:

Only with You is a funny, lighthearted read.  It has the "enemies turned lovers" theme to it, which in retrospect might be the reason why I wanted to read it.  The pacing was a little slow and drawn out for my taste, but at least we get to see the characters build a relationship, rather than the "We had a one night stand and now I'm in love with you!" relationship. 

 

The best part was the witty banter between Sophie and every other character.  Her snarkiness and sarcasm really made me like her from the beginning.  The strong, independent female aspect of her character was great as well.  The fact that she followed her own path with her head held high, was pretty admirable.  The male lead, Grayson, needed more personality, in my opinion.  He was way too rigid and aloof for me to think he was the best thing since sliced bread.  He needs a colonic to remove that stick up his ass.

 

Romance was okay, at best.  There was more sexual tension than romance.  I wasn't exactly won over by Grayson.  The resolution was way too quick; almost rushed even.  Worth a read, if only for the dialogue.

 

Favorite Quotes:

"They had that same uptight Oh crap, I lost a tree trunk up my ass expression." -Sophie

"Oh, I'm sorry, would there be a more convenient time to get stuck in an elevator? Or a more preferable woman? A mute nun, perhaps?" -Sophie 

260 pages

Expected publication: July 29th 2014 by Forever

 

Rating:🔔🔔🔔

 

Recommend?     Yes.  For romance lovers.

(ARC courtesy of Net Galley and Forever Publishing in exchange for an honest review)

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